Dog Friendly Hikes Near Denver

Looking for good hikes for you and your dog? The truth is that you can take your dog with you on most trails near Denver–but there are exceptions. And there are some trails that just aren’t all that enjoyable for Fido. On each hiking trail profile we let you know if dogs are allowed, but here we try to point out the best. We’ve selected these hikes based on feedback from our thirteen year old, Black Lab, Francine. She’s confident that your dog will love them. Her favorite is Elk Meadows in Evergreen and it’s off-leash area with 3 miles of trails across 100 acres of beautiful Colorado. It should be noted that it’s good to assume that all these hikes require our dogs to be on a leash unless otherwise indicated.

This park in Evergreen, Colorado is a family favorite of some of our good friends. They have two young daughters and love to hike Alderfer and Three Sisters. The park has so many trails that the network can get confusing, so download the Alderfer trail map or pick one up at the trailhead. Scroll down for more information ...View Trail Info

Lair o' the Bear is, in our family's opinion, the best family hike near Denver. First, the drive into the canyon on Bear Creek road is beautiful. Once at the park you'll find great hiking trail options, the cool water of bear creek, great parking, and some good picnic spots. There are open areas as well as shade. Our one ...View Trail Info

Blue Grouse Trail in Golden Gate Canyon State Park is a wonderful adventure for kids, non-experienced hikers or out of town guests. The trail is nice and short, with little gain in elevation and the terrain is mellow, so it can be great for those carrying kids in backpacks. The Blue Grouse Trail is a perfect hiking trail for spotting ...View Trail Info

This hike at Betasso Preserve near Boulder, Colorado makes for a perfect evening escape to watch the sunset over the town below. You'll cross through meadows dotted with wildflowers then under stands of Ponderosa pine that eventually open up to views to east. Explore the hiking trail profiles and map link below for details ...View Trail Info

Eldorado Canyon State Park is a hiking and climbing Mecca tucked into the Front Range near Boulder and Denver, Colorado. In this hiking profile of Eldorado Canyon, we quickly give you the 4 main trails and give you some tips for your time in the canyon. Explore the full trail profile below to get all the details. Trail Snapshot: Hiking ...View Trail Info

Eldorado Falls is a cascade waterfall tucked back in Walker Ranch near Boulder, Colorado. It's an easy to moderate 1.25 mile hike from the Ethel Harrold Trailhead down to where South Boulder Creek winds through the park and crashes over the boulders blocking its path. Explore the full trail profile below for all the details: tips, trail map, and driving ...View Trail Info

Elk Meadow Park is a great place to hike with your family, if you have little ones, or if you just want to talk with a friend as you hike and take in great views of Colorado. Take your dog along to enjoy the adjacent off-leash dog park area. Get all the info you need to hike Elk Meadow Park ...View Trail Info

For those who are looking for a nice hike that incorporates the highland meadows of Colorado and views to snowcapped mountains, then the Elk Range Trail at Centennial Cone Park is the perfect hike. The Elk Range Trail can be hiked as an out-and-back 6.6 mile adventure, starting from one of two different trailheads. We saw a lot of wildlife ...View Trail Info

If you are yearning for wide open spaces, the Flatirons Vista trail near Boulder, Colorado makes for a perfect hike. The trail has two loop options and links up to other hiking trails along the Flatirons. Explore the trail profile of this classic Colorado hike for a trail map and all the details like driving directions, trail difficulty rating, and ...View Trail Info

Looking for a trail that will provide some shade on a hot Colorado day? This hiking trail has shade, plus a waterfall, a stream, a canyon, and lake. It's hard to beat. Forsythe Canyon is just outside Boulder, Colorado (1hr 15min from Denver), and is an easy to moderate hike. Check out our full hiking trail profile for details and ...View Trail Info

Glendale Farm is a short hiking trail near Littleton, Colorado, that offers a seventeen-acre off-leash dog park. This makes for a great after-work trail run or a leisurely hike when the sun is setting over the mountains and the day is cooling down. Explore the full trail profile below for all the details: hiking trails, trail map, and detailed directions ...View Trail Info

Rolling meadows stretch to spectacular views of Pikes Peak on this easy Colorado hike near Larkspur. The Greenland Trail takes you across the stunning grasslands near Larkspur, Colorado, a Douglas County Open Space that spreads across 3,600 acres of sun-drenched fields.The Greenland Open Space trailhead can be easily accessed from I-25. Check out the full trail profile below for detailed ...View Trail Info